Meaning: “手” means “hand,” and “账” means “account book.” A word translated from Japanese, this refers to a small notebook or note pad that people carry around in their bags. In Japan, almost everyone has a note pad in which they write down the time and location of appointments, phone numbers, personal plans or other things. Unlike note pads people in other countries use, the Japanese “手账” often looks delicate, with nicely designed covers and papers in eye-pleasing shades. Chinese people, especially young women, have also picked up the fad and often used it as a fancy diary book.

    Example:

    A: 你的欧洲之旅怎么样？

    Nǐ de ōuzhōuzhīlǚ zěnmeyàng?

    How was your European tour?

    B: 很棒，等你有空我给你看我的旅行手账。

    Hěn bàng, děng nǐ yǒukòng wǒ gěi nǐ kàn wǒ de lǚxíng shǒuzhàng。

    It was fantastic. I will show you my “tour notes” when you have time.